A kahani is a story. Specially commissioned by BLF, the very special kahani we are bringing to you is a tale that is both unique and as old as time itself.

Told through traditional Punjabi folk songs, our special kahani weaves together a story of love and loss, hopes and yearnings, pain and reunion, partition and migration. This is a story that will resonate with anyone who is part of the South Asian diaspora, and for those who would like to gain an understanding of Punjabi music and culture.

Discover our magical Kahani with West Yorkshire singer Shabnam Khan, who has been singing professionally since her school days and now brings her company of musicians, choral singers and dancers to Bradford Literature Festival for this colourful celebration.

About The Musician

Shot of Shabnam Khan Singing with candles in the foreground

Shabnam Khan

Shabnam Khan has been singing professionally since her school days, always enjoying music from several genres including ghazal, geet, Punjabi folk and Sufiana Kalam. She sings in many languages and has performed alongside artists including Ghulam Ali, Mehndi Hassan and Rajab Ali, Alaap, Heera, Arif Lohar, So Solid Crew, The Dhol Foundation and Fun-Da-Mental. Her recorded works include a ghazal album - Tamanna – on the Music India label alongside Ustad Nawazish Ali Khan, Buddha Bar 10 with Al-Pha-A X Records and recordings of devotional music with Deepak Khazanchi and Aki Nawaz. She has released a double album of Bollywood covers with Declan Flynn and will be releasing a solo single with Sunil Kalyan which she has co-written.